In this three-part interview with CrossFit General Manager of Sport Dave Castro, we’ll learn about the format of the 2021 CrossFit Games season. CrossFit Games analyst Annie Sakamoto chats with Castro as they walk us through the multiple phases of the season step by step, addressing questions like, “What are Quarterfinals?”, “How many people will qualify for the Games”?, “How will the equipment-free athletes be ranked on the leaderboard?”, “What equipment do I need to compete in the Open from home?”, and more.

In this first segment, Sakamoto and Castro address the first and second stages of the season: the worldwide CrossFit Open and the brand new Quarterfinals. 

Castro says he’s thrilled the Open is happening this year with so many unknowns around affiliate closures in the midst of the global pandemic.

“I’m excited that we’re normalizing our season and our path forward in this chaotic time,” he says. “And there’s a ton of challenges: challenges for us, challenges for athletes, challenges for the affiliates. But in spite of all that, we’re still going forward and we’re still going to put this amazing event on.”

Castro gives us a sneak peek into the Quarterfinals saying, “It will be a comprehensive test … that is more challenging in terms of loads than you typically see in Open programming.”

Use the links below to toggle through the video and have all your burning questions answered about the three-week online competition. 

1:58​ - What is special about the Open?

2:42​ - How many events will be included in this year’s Open?

2:57​ - What is the equipment-free option?

3:28​ - What size dumbbells will we need?

4:20​ - What is the new Foundations division? What are the different versions available this year?

5:59​ - Should I go Rx’d in this year’s Open?

7:02​ - Do you have any advice on how to prepare for this year’s Open?

7:50​ - Using the Open as an opportunity to reset your fitness journey.

08:53​ - What are Quarterfinals?

10:45​ - What to expect in Quarterfinals? What equipment will be needed?

11:33​ - What will the *team Quarterfinals look like?

11:35 - Note: The top 25% of the total number of teams per continent (with a minimum of at least 50 teams from each continent) will be eligible to participate in the Quarterfinals - Learn more in the Rulebook (Sec 2.0 - https://games.crossfit.com/rules)

12:25​ - The opportunity for athletes to advance and shine